Lightweight plastic garden chairs are relatively low-maintenance, but they can accumulate dirt, grime, mould, and mildew over time, especially if left outdoors in all weather.
Nobody wants to sit on a dirty garden chair, so to keep them looking clean and fresh, you can use a variety of specialist and household cleaning products and techniques to get them summer-ready.
The Lazy Susan team have got our heads together and compiled our top 7, ranging from what we use for a quick wipe down to tackling those more stubborn stains.
1. Washing-Up Liquid
Often, the most simple and practical cleaning solutions and methods are the best. A mild washing-up mixed with warm water is often enough to clean lightly soiled plastic garden chairs.
We will use a soft cloth or sponge to gently agitate the surfaces of the chair with soapy water, making sure we get into any decorative patterns and crevices, etc.
Once washed, rinse the chairs thoroughly with a garden hose or bucket of clean water and let them air dry.
2. White Vinegar
If you watch any of the TV cleaning shows then most of the pros swear by white vinegar.
It is the active ingredient in many store-bought cleaners, and its acidic properties, which make it effective at dissolving dirt, grease, and grime, and killing bacteria, are perfect for tackling grubby plastic garden furniture.
Mix up equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the solution directly onto the chair or apply it with a sponge, focusing on areas with stubborn dirt or mould. Let it sit on the surface for around 10 minutes for any tougher stains.
Gently scrub the chairs with a soft brush if needed, rinse with clean water, and leave to air dry. Vinegar is great on white and light-coloured plastics as it can help brighten them up without bleaching.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another kitchen cupboard staple that is also great for cleaning plastic garden chairs.
It will dissolve organic dirt, grease, and other sticky substances, it acts as a mild abrasive and a powerful deodoriser, and it can also brighten up dull and discoloured plastics.
For any tough stains or scuff marks on your chairs, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste directly to stains and scuff marks with your fingers, and then scrub gently with a sponge or soft-bristle brush in a circular motion.
Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing and wipe down with a clean cloth and soapy water to remove any baking soda residue.
4. All-Purpose Cleaner
If you want to purchase something specially formulated for cleaning plastic patio furniture, then it must be non-abrasive.
While baking soda is OK, most commercial abrasive cleaners are likely to scratch or dull the finish of your garden chairs.
Choose a good multi-surface cleaner that is suitable for plastics and avoid products containing bleach, as they can weaken the plastic over time.
Spray the cleaner onto the chairs and use a sponge or soft cloth to wipe down all surfaces. Follow any specific instructions on the product label, and when done rinse off with cold water and allow the chairs to air dry.
5. Oxygen Bleach
While we would not recommend chlorine bleach, if you have stubborn stains or weather damage on your garden chairs, then we would recommend you try oxygen bleach as it is safer for use on plastics than chlorine-based bleaches.
They still need to be used with caution but they do work well on tough stains and discolouration on white chairs.
Make sure you set up somewhere safe and away from children, pets, plants, etc. Many products on the market are plant-based but best to be on the safe side.
To apply, mix a small amount of the oxygen bleach (most brands on sale in the UK it supplied in a powder) with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply it to the stained areas, scrub gently, and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water and let the chairs air dry. Avoid using too much bleach as it can still weaken or discolour plastics over time. Alternatively, instead of oxygen bleach, we also find that oxi-style laundry stain remover powders work well too.
6. Magic Sponge
Made from melamine foam, a magic sponge or eraser or other melamine foam sponges are great for removing tough marks, stains, and dirt buildup on plastics.
Again, use them with caution as they are gentle but still somewhat abrasive so they can dull the finish, especially on darker-coloured plastics.
To apply, dampen the sponge and gently rub it over stained areas. They are particularly effective on scuff marks and embedded dirt and grime. When happy, rinse with cold water to remove any residue from the chairs after cleaning and allow them to air dry.
7. Mould and Mildew Cleaners
For severe mould or mildew, if none of the above do the trick, then you might want to purchase a specialist cleaner. Ensure it is safe for plastics, as some harsh chemicals can damage the finish and even weaken the plastic.
Apply the product according to its label instructions, usually by spraying on the affected area and letting it sit for a few minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub any remaining mildew, rinse thoroughly, and allow the chair to dry.
Always wear gloves too and use these products outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Our How do you remove mildew from plastic outdoor furniture? article has some great tips on how to prevent and remove it.
Our final cleaning tips…
Before you clean a full chair or any other plastic furniture with any of the above methods and cleaning solutions, we strongly advise that you always test on an inconspicuous area (such as the underside of the seat).
Avoid using any harsh abrasive scrubbers or chemicals that could potentially scratch and weaken the polypropylene, leading to brittleness and fading. A soft sponge or cloth will suffice. If that doesn't work, then a soft-bristle brush (such as an old nail brush) can be used with a little caution.
After cleaning your furniture, we would also advise that you apply a UV protector spray that is formulated for plastics as this will help prevent sun damage, discoloration and brittleness.
Regular cleaning (once a month during the summer, for example) will prevent dirt and grime from building up, making it easier to keep your chairs looking good and ready to sit on.
Standing water can lead to mildew forming on plastic, so be sure to dry the chairs thoroughly or leave them in the sun after washing.
By using Lazy Susan’s simple cleaning methods and maintaining a routine, you can keep your plastic garden chairs fresh and clean, even after exposure to the elements.
If you have any of our furniture range in your garden, then we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
